Friday 28 February 2014

Various Types Of Headstone For Graves

By Olivia Banks


When making plans for one's burial, it is a common practice to have a commemorative plaque or some type of monument to place atop their interment site. Inscribed with the individual's name along with the dates on which they were born and died, and occasionally an epitaph, it is a way for one to leave their mark upon the world. There are literally thousands of design options for Graves Headstones.

Stones have been used to show burial locations throughout most of recorded time. In the beginning these were simply piles of rocks but over the years people eventually began to carve words, symbols and numbers into them as a way of personalizing the place of interment. As civilizations grew, the monuments became more elaborate and informative.
Cemetery Headstones


From their position at the grave's head, the markers proclaim the name of the occupant, usually along with their date of birth as well as date that they died. There are several options from which to choose ranging from slabs of rock or metal that are closer to the ground for a lower profile to the many styles of uprights which come in many shapes and sizes. Crosses, tablets and pedestals holding urns or statues are very common designs.

The most common style found in cemeteries around the world is the standard upright slab of stone, usually granite, either standing on its own or attached to a horizontal base. These can be shaped in many forms such as scroll tops, religious symbols, domed tablets or simple rectangles. Quite often, couples or families who have purchased multiple plots together, will have markers that hold the information for more than one person.

Bevels are a type of marker that has a wide base and a back side that is raised higher than the front by roughly two to four inches. It resembles a thick, flat slab but the angle makes it easier to read and keep clean. Slanted gravestones are quite similar in design though their rear edge is up by about forty-five degrees.

The Victorian era tombstones found in some of the oldest graveyards were the inspiration for the modern Gothic tablet style. These borrow the elaborate scrolling lines, ornate arches and detailed angles that were indicative of that period's architectural designs used in churches. They have a classic and interesting beauty.

Obelisks are impressive monuments, towering like tall tapered shards. They are beautiful structures that were originally found in ancient Egypt and often sport items such as angels, stars, pyramids or eagles at the topmost point. These are just a few of the many styles of grave headstones available in modern times.




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